HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.216 2024-2026Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of 5fawaii
To: Hawaii County Council,
Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resource Management
Council Member Rebecca V illegas, Chair and Presiding Officer
Council Member Jenn Kagiwada, Vice Chair
From: Vaughn G. T. Cook
to
RE: Resolution No. 234-25: A RESOLUTION URGING THE STATE OF
HAWAI'I TO ENSURE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF HAWAPI ISLAND
RESIDENTS BY REQUESTING THE MILITARY TO CEASE ALL BOMBING
AND DESECRATION ACTIVITIES AT THE POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA,
REJECTING LAND SWAPS AND LEASE RENEWALS WITH TIIE MILITARY
UNLESS CERTAIN STIPULATIONS ARE ESTABLISHED, AND CONDUCTING
A KA PA'AKAI ANALYSIS ON THE AREA.
July 22, 2025
Aloha Chair Villegas, Vice Chair Kagiwada, and Members of the Committee,
I provide this testimony on behalf of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii
(JCCIH). As chair of the joint Government Affairs and Economic Development committees of
JCCIH, our members prioritize Economic Development, Workforce Development, and
Infrastructure, among other issues. The U.S. military's presence has provided positive economic
development, jobs and infrastructure.
Additionally, PTA has provided needed emergency and first aid services through their fire
department and emergency services at PTA. U.S. Army Garrison Pohakuloa Training Area was
recently named as a recipient of the 2024 Army Community Partnership Award, highlighting the
exceptional collaboration between the Army and Hawaii Fire Department to improve readiness,
adaptability and quality of life for military and community members. The award, presented at
the Pentagon on May 15, was accepted by PTA Commander Lt. Col. Timothy Alvarado and
HFD Fire Chief Kazuo Todd. It is my understanding that PTA personnel provided critical
emergency services on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa and are often the first on scene of accidents
in the area.
We recognize all of the concerns raised in the Resolution but do believe there would likely be
negative impacts on our community were the U.S. military to "immediately" cease training
activities at PTA. We recommend that the issue be studied in more detail and support
continued engagement in a transparent, accountable, and stakeholder -involved manner.
120 Pauahi Street STE 205 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Telephone:808-934-0177 Comm.
email: jccih@jccih.org • www.jccih.org
Ref. TO:
Ref. Date
Mahalo for considering my testimony,
Vaughn G. T. Cook
Vice President and Co -Chair of Government Affairs/Economic Development Committee ofthe
Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry ofHawai'i
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